Like the residents of Sesame Street we allow a grouchy person to exist among us as a part of lives and part of our community, but we do not allow that person or people to take over the community.

Because whether we realize it or not, our understanding of God is formed not simply by our reading of scripture, but the development of the Church’s understanding of scripture through the work of its theologians and saints.

Its not that the life of the Christian is meant to be a completely miserable one, but thinking its going to be an easy ride is a grand mistake that will only lead to disappointment.

It’s hard to believe, but it was about this time two weeks ago that me (Pastor James) and the youths (Blake, Josh, Fletcher, Shannon and Odeliah) were scraping, painting and in other ways helping beautify the Cornerstone Ministries Community Center in Smith Lake, New Mexico. Oh yeah, and Aaron the semi-adult was there helping keep us spiritually focused, reminding us that we weren’t on a vacation, but there to serve God and the Navajo people. Of course we did manage to have a little fun and eat some good food.

But, especially as we each struggle to put God first in our lives, to seek first the kingdom of God while trying to also be spouses, parents, friends and employees, whether or not we are willing to actually, physically kneel before God in prayer is a big statement about where we are with God.